My Reflections on International Widows Day (June 23)

Hello out there, how is it going? Sunday June 23^rd was international widow’s day. It is the United Nations ratified day of action to raise awareness of the issue of widowhood. I was thinking about why the day was established in the first place, about the “silent calamity” that widowhood has become because the “sufferers” are not seen, people who have had their lives radically altered by the loss of a spouse but still are not left to mourn and carry on with their lives in peace because of some form of tradition and injustice or the other. I couldn’t help but thank God for my own experience, my own journey and all that I have become due to the sad event.

My journey wasn’t as traumatic, I didn’t go through any of the issues I described above but it was life altering all the same. From the experience I know firsthand that all things (yes even the loss of a spouse) really do work together for the good of those that love God Romans 8:28.

There are still days that I wish I hadn’t gone through the experience in the first place, I do wish he was still here with me and the kids, however looking back over the past 12 years I know the experience has had a lot of positive impact in my life. I have learnt to trust God completely for everything, I sometimes feel like I can take on the world with God on my side. I go around with quiet confidence in the ability of God to see me through whatever may come my way because I am still standing after everything.

I am more adamant that my life cannot be ordinary. I have become a woman who is relentless in her pursuit of purpose and the hope of my calling. It matters to me now that my life must count for something. I refuse to compromise the quality of my life. The fact that God put us here on earth to have impact and influence has become my driving force, I cannot settle for less. I feel that doing anything less would be that I am letting down God in some way. The experience has convinced me more than ever that we are all here for a reason and that reason is what drives me from day to day.

So my friend, have you been through or going through a life changing experience?  How has it affected you?  You may not be able to see the positive effect the experience has had on your life unless you reflect on it with an attitude of gratitude.  The negatives always seem to outweigh the positive things when such events occur but in the long run if we look back with an attitude of gratitude we will discover that same occurrence is responsible for ushering in a new era of positive change in our lives.

So what good has come out of that erstwhile horrible situation? Is it a change in your character? Has it made you bolder or like me more determined to make something meaningful out your life?  I would like to hear from you, let’s encourage each other. There are people out there who are in total darkness and cannot see any light in their situations maybe your story will make them smile or bring a glimmer of light in their darkness.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Hugs